(This kit is no longer a
part of this collection, but was kept on the site for educational
purposes.)
Pocket surgical kits were
carried by surgeons prior to, during, and after the Civil War. Kolbe was a
maker who was a prime supplier to the Union Army during the Civil War. The
label on this kit would indicate it is likely it existed during the early part
of the Civil War. I believe this is a kit which is
consistent with Civil War use.
A pocket surgical kit by
Dietrich W. Kolbe' of Philadelphia. Kolbe' was one of the Philadelphia
makers (1851 to 1878) who was awarded contracts to produce surgical sets during
the Civil War for the Union troops. His company was in business from 1851
to 1854 at 45 S. 8th, For a short time he was associated with Kuemerle at 45 S.
8th, then alone at 45 S. 8th from 1856 to 1857 at 45 S. 8th. Later
addresses were on S. 9th until 1879. All dates are from the Directory of
Makers and Dealers as listed by Edmonson in American Surgical Instruments: an
Illustrated History.
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See a similar Hernstein pocket kit
